Fresnel axicon

A new optical element, a Fresnel axicon (fraxicon), is proposed. Similar to a Fresnel lens, this element consists of concentric prism-like grooves with an apex angle equal to that of a bulk axicon and whose action relies on refraction. The fraxicon is less chromatic and simpler to manufacture than holographic optical element-based diffractive axicons and, in comparison with regular refractive axicons, is more compact with less absorption loss in the material while allowing significant economy in mass production.